If you’re looking for an exciting February adventure, Bob Bryerton, program manager of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center near Beecher, Illinois, suggests going on a brief winter hike to spot some eagles.
“They are incredibly enormous,” he exclaimed, emphasizing their size. “They surpass anything else in our sky, boasting an impressive wingspan of 6 feet.”
During the winter season, Illinois becomes a favored destination for a significant number of eagles, second only to Alaska.
According to Bryerton, during the winter months, Illinois is home to the highest number of eagles among the lower 48 states.
Take a short hike along a trail along an Illinois river or waterway, and you may be rewarded with the sighting of an eagle in just half an hour.
According to Bryerton, when the water freezes in the northern regions, eagles tend to migrate slightly southward. Illinois is often a preferred destination for them as it offers open water for their needs.
Even though having binoculars would be beneficial, they are not necessary for this activity.
When soaring through the sky, eagles bear a resemblance to both turkey vultures and hawks. However, there are some noticeable differences. According to Bryerton, turkey vultures tend to have a more rocking motion while in flight, and their wings are tilted upwards in a distinctive V-shape.
According to the expert, eagles tend to flap their wings more frequently compared to vultures. However, they also spend a considerable amount of time gliding through the air.
Hawks possess a smaller and more streamlined physique, while eagles exude a certain bulkiness that gives the impression of weightiness.
According to Bryerton, keep an eye out for a large, ominous-looking bird that remains steady in the face of the wind.
According to Bryerton, if the bird is soaring purposefully in a self-determined direction, it is most likely an eagle.
According to Bryerton, if you happen to spot a fully grown eagle, its white head and whitetail are unmistakable indicators.
According to Bryerton, it typically takes around five years for an eagle to develop the iconic white head and white tail that people commonly associate with these majestic birds.
According to Bryerton, during the initial five years, eagles may display white patches on their body and possibly on their head. However, overall, they predominantly resemble large dark birds with some streakiness.
One important characteristic to consider is the presence of an enlarged beak.
According to Bryerton, the eagle’s bill is exceptionally large, making it quite noticeable if you have the chance to see it.
The bill of an eagle is significantly larger than that of a hawk.
According to him, the eagle bill is specifically designed to catch fish and tear things apart.
You don’t have to travel all the way to Will County just to catch a glimpse of the majestic Eagles. Simply download the eBird app for free from ebird.org and access a comprehensive database of reported eagle sighting locations in your vicinity.
For those exploring Will County, Bryerton suggests visiting the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon and the Rock Run Rookery Preserve in Joliet. According to Bryerton, eagles have a fondness for dams. At Starved Rock Dam near Utica, the water remains unfrozen throughout the winter, making it a popular gathering spot for eagles.
According to Bryerton, eagles will relocate to areas with open water when the water freezes elsewhere.